TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese lawmakers on Wednesday raised concerns over Chinese e-commerce platforms operating without local registration, citing regulatory and consumer protection gaps.

Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲) said foreign e-commerce platforms must obtain Ministry of Economic Affairs approval to register locally, per CNA. She noted that platforms such as Shopee and Coupang have completed the process while others remain unregistered due to regulatory hurdles.

The comments came during a Legislative Yuan briefing attended by officials from the Financial Supervisory Commission and the National Development Council. The session focused on guiding domestic capital into public infrastructure and strategic industries.

DPP Legislator Wu Ping-jui (吳秉叡) questioned the lack of registration by Chinese platforms such as Taobao and Pinduoduo, per UDN. He said blocking registration reflects an “ostrich mentality” because consumers continue to buy from the platforms anyway, lowering their costs and creating unfair competition.

Chuang said procedures are under review and the Ministry of Digital Affairs is tightening oversight of e-commerce platforms. She added that changes to tax exemptions for low-value overseas parcels would require cross-ministerial discussions.

Under current rules, overseas purchases valued at NT$2,000 (US$63) or less are duty-free up to six times every six months. Chuang said Taiwan may need to revisit the policy as countries such as the US move to tighten controls on low-value Chinese shipments.